Battery cells, ethanol and vegetable oil were some vehicle energy options on display Saturday at an alternative fuel car show at Freedom Inn at Ventana Canyon, 5660 N. Kolb Road.
The event featured more than 10 vehicles that were mostly alternative fuel vehicles, including hybrid gas/electric in addition to two Smart Cars that actually run on gas but get more than 40 miles per gallon on the highway.
"For around town, you can't beat this thing," said Smart Car owner Michael Kapp. At less than 9 feet long, the car is economical and good on gas mileage. Kapp has filled the eight-gallon gas tank once in four weeks.
In addition to Smart Cars, the Physics Factory had its old school bus, which runs on used frying oil from Eegee's. The Physics Factory normally travels to schools and events to do science demonstrations.
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"Alternative fuels are not rocket science," said Bruce Bayly, president of the Physics Factory. "Switching from regular to alternative is not a big step. Some people use vegetable oil, ethanol, batteries, there are so many alternatives in alternative fuel."
For the onlookers, seeing the difference between cars of their childhood and cars of the future could be quite amazing.
"In the 50s and 60s the thing was the big motors, that's what everyone wanted," said H.C. Hillman. "It's awesome that we are trying to get away from fossil fuels."
